WOONSOCKET, R.I. CVS/pharmacy has announced the launch of its second annual “See What’s Free” campaign. This special promotion for ExtraCare cardholders will make more than 50 million customers eligible for a free “thank you” gift simply by shopping at a CVS/pharmacy store during the month of August.

To take advantage of this program and nearly all of the money-saving offers that CVS/pharmacy customers receive through ExtraCare, shoppers do not have to do anything more than present their ExtraCare cards when visiting CVS/pharmacy throughout the month. CVS/pharmacy’s ExtraCare rewards program is the nation’s largest retail rewards program and among the most popular and easy to use. Last year, ExtraCare cardholders received a combined total of more than $1.8 billion in earned Extra Bucks rewards.

For the month of August, a free gift coupon will print on the receipt during the cardholder’s first visit during the month. Customers then have seven days to redeem their coupons (from their individual print date). Free gift coupons will print for every card account in use as of July 27.

Additionally, ExtraCare cardholders receive 2% back on nearly every dollar spent in the store every time they shop, regardless of whether or not they pay attention to any sales or special offers. For every two prescriptions filled at CVS/pharmacy, ExtraCare cardholders automatically receive $1 Extra Buck. At the end of each quarter, these Extra Bucks are printed on the bottom of cardholders’ receipts during their first visits. Extra Bucks are like free CVS/pharmacy money. They can be used on nearly anything in the store.

Cardholders also can register their ExtraCare accounts on www.CVS.com, so they can print out Extra Bucks at home before shopping as well. Customers that link their ExtraCare accounts to a www.CVS.com account also will receive personalized coupons and special discounts by e-mail, if they opt in for those features.

Craig C. Phillips elected VP, general manager of the oncology business unit at Cephalon

FRAZER, Pa. Cephalon announced Craig C. Phillips was elected VP and general manager of the oncology business unit.

Phillips will be responsible for managing all aspects of the U.S. oncology business including sales, marketing and medical affairs.

“Since joining Cephalon two years ago, Craig has clearly demonstrated an ability to exceed expectations and bring value to our organization through his leadership,” said Robert Roche, EVP of worldwide pharmaceutical operations. “I am confident that Craig’s leadership and vision will support the dynamic growth of the Cephalon oncology business and allow us to continue to bring medicines that matter to the healthcare professionals and patients battling cancer.”

Spartan fights economy with jump in net sales

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. Supermarket operator Spartan Stores had a $9.3 million jump in consolidated net sales during first quarter of its fiscal year 2010, the company announced in an earnings release this week.

That and a 9.4% increase in EBITDA stemmed mostly from Spartan’s acquisition of VG’s Food and Pharmacy stores, the company said. First-quarter operating earnings increased moderately, to $15.1 million compared with first quarter fiscal year 2009.

“We are pleased to report steady operating profits despite the prolonged economic challenges and the incremental costs associated with this year’s business and operational initiatives,” Spartan president and CEO Dennis Eidson said in a statement. “As anticipated, comparable store sales at our retail supermarkets declined during the quarter due to economic uncertainty, which is causing changes in consumer purchase behavior, such as a shift to lower-priced private label products, and price deflation in certain high-volume product categories.”

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